Cardinals could be better off as deadline sellers

What do the St. Louis Cardinals think of themselves?

At 51-46, 1.5 games out of the third National League Wild Card spot and 6.5 games back of the Chicago Cubs for the NL Central lead, the Cardinals 

Here is what one executive said, via Katie Woo and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic:

“The Cardinals can be a linchpin for a lot of teams. They have a lot of players teams are interested in.”

While St. Louis likely will not make its buy vs. sell decision until absolutely necessary, it could receive a respectable package for someone like closer Ryan Helsley. Helsley, soon-to-be 31, is an unrestricted free agent after this season and is one of the top viable relief pitcher trade candidates.

He has not had his best campaign, but is still effective in high-leverage situations, going 3-1 with a 3.27 ERA, a 3.84 FIP, 19 saves, and 36 strikeouts to 14 walks over 33 innings. Helsley is also a two-time All-Star (2022, 2024) and has a couple of top-12 Cy Young finishes (12th in 2022, 9th in 2024).

There is still time for the Cardinals to rip off a hot streak and propel themselves into the forefront of this Wild Card race, or even make a run at the Cubs. But, realistically, this is not a legitimate World Series threat.

Sure, St. Louis has a balanced, deep lineup with enough star power to win some postseason series. The bullpen is far from perfect, but that unit is also not a detriment to the team. But this starting rotation, which features only one pitcher with a sub-4.00 ERA, is not up to the task of beating teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Philadelphia Phillies, or the New York Mets.

The Cardinals are always going to be a competitive club, but shipping a high-profile player like Helsley could be the best course of action.